Code 3 for a Cure Foundation Begins 2011 Mission In Memory of Kevin Oldham

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March 14, 2011

The Code 3 for a Cure Foundation kicked off their Annual Mission of Honor and Hope this morning in Ripon, California dedicating this year's mission to Kevin Oldham a firefighter with the Waukegan Fire Department who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on March 11, 2011.

Oldham, 33,  joined Code 3 President and Founder Lorenzo Abundiz for his 2010 Mission of Honor and Hope last October and again in January, 2011 for a special Mission so Oldham could visit fire stations in three states to share his story with fellow firefighters in order to save the lives of his brother and sister firefighters.

"Kevin had hoped to join in this mission, but we will have an empty seat in the truck to honor Kevin," explained Abundiz, a retired member of the Santa Ana Fire Department and three-time cancer survivor.

"Kevin bravely fought and won the battle. By sharing his story with others, he had a huge impact in the war against all cancer. Kevin amazed us with his courage and selflessness, and deeply touched the lives of those who were fortunate enough to meet him," Abundiz said. "Kevin is and always will be a true hero."

Firefighter/cancer survivors from many departments will join Abundiz in the Code 3 fire engine as he drives more than 20,000 miles across the United States and Canada to share their stories and fight the war against cancer.

Along the way, the team collects names of firefighters, both active and retired, who have succumbed to cancer. At the end of their journey in Los Angeles the names will be read off in a fire bell ceremony. "We honor and remember those brave men and women who paved the way, through their service and sacrifice, to the use of safer equipment and procedures used by firefighters of today," Abundiz said.

The Code 3 for a Cure Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. For more information, or to donate, visit www.code3foracure.com.



Author:Barbara Brooks - Fire Department Network News